With “Proof,” a very poignant and riveting play at the Booth Theatre on West 45th Street, playwright David Auburn gives us the story of Catherine, the daughter of a renowned mathematics professor named Robert, who, after his death, must show proof that brains actually run in the family. This play depicts the male-dominated the field of mathematics and questions it. It also looks at mental illness and what the child of someone who loses their faculties faces when they think about their own mental health and what could be lurking in the future for them.
We meet Catherine, stunningly played by Ayo Edebiri, who questions the idea of her own sanity, and who also doubts her own capabilities, until she finds she must acknowledge and believe in her mathematical findings. Don Cheadle portrays Robert with a firmness and with patience, and as a man who is realizing that he is losing control of his actions, but cannot stop himself. Jin Ha plays Hal, Robert’s former student, who admires him greatly and just wishes he had a tiny bit of Robert’s genius. Hal also wants fame as a mathematician, but realizes he does not have it in him. Kara Young plays Claire, Catherine’s older sister, who has not lived at home for years. She flies in after their father dies to try to persuade Catherine to go back home with her and move on with her life.
The storyline has twists and turns that will keep you intrigued and engrossed. It is also interesting to watch the scenes where the character’s mental illness comes to the fore. We might not often think of geniuses as having mental health issues, but this play makes clear that they are just as susceptible as anyone else.
Thomas Kail’s engaging direction truly makes this a moving play to experience.
On the technical side, the production has scenic design by Teresa L. Williams, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Amanda Zieve, sound design by Justin Ellington and Connor Wang, along with wig and hair design by Mia Neal. For tickets visit proofbroadway.com.